Poland closes and evacuates its embassy in Syria

WARSAW, Poland 
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland said Friday it has closed its embassy in Syria and evacuated its diplomats because of the deteriorating security situation in Damascus.

The embassy also has been representing the U.S. interests in the country.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said he took the decision out of concern for the security of the embassy's staff.

"The decision has been taken due to the dramatically aggravating crisis in Syria, which has led to the deterioration of security and has made it impossible for Polish diplomats to carry out their duties," Sikorski told a news conference in Warsaw.

Sikorski said the embassy will reopen as soon as security conditions allow it.